Immigration courts, unlike all other U.S. court systems, are not required to offer legal representation to people who cannot afford assistance. Commerce supports legal aid providers for low-income immigrants who are at the most risk of harm.
What this grant funds
This program funds organizations providing legal representation for low-income immigrants with cases in immigration courts. Services funded by these grants include:
- Direct legal representation from an attorney or trained advocate
- Case management
- Referrals related to self-sufficiency
“At a time when our communities are facing increased threats of immigration enforcement and detention, it is important to lean into the work and stand for our neighbors, friends, and family. This funding allows Manzanita House to continue to build capacity in a difficult environment. This allows us to continue working with our immigrant communities – both in their legal defense and their flourishing in our communities.”
Sam Smith – Director of Immigrant Legal Aid, Co-founder of Manzanita House
Who is eligible for legal aid
Grantees are providing legal aid to immigrants who are most risk of harm. Examples include:
- People who are pregnant
- People living with disabilities or illness
- Survivors of domestic violence
- Survivors of torture
- Survivors of human trafficking
Contractors for 2026 and 2027
| Service area | Organization |
|---|---|
| Statewide | Northwest Immigrant Rights Project |
| King, Pierce, Benton, Snohomish | Colectiva Legal del Pueblo |
| King, Pierce, Snohomish | API Chaya |
| Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, Yakima, Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Whitman, Pierce, Snohomish, Clark, Skamania, Spokane | Catholic Charities of Spokane |
| Adams, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, Walla Walla, Yakima | Central Washington Justice for our Neighbors |
| King, Pierce, Skagit, Thurston, Yakima | Entre Hermanos |
| Benton. Clallam, Franklin, Grant, Grays Harbor, King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Whatcom, Yakima | Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) |
| King, Pierce, Clark, Skamania, Spokane | Lutheran Community Services Northwest |
| Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Okanogan, Yakima, Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Whitman | Manzanita House |